3 after work activities that can get you fired

The clock strikes five and you hear the zipping of bags and coats as people around you ready themselves to shuffle out of the office. The work day is finally over.

But although you have the right to plan your evening as you wish, there are a few after-hours activities that can get you in serious trouble with your employer. Here are three after work actions that can get you terminated.

Bad mouthingGawker recently wrote about a campus safety officer who was fired from the University of Oregon for misconduct. James Cleavenger, the fired officer, and other members of the campus police team had kept a list of people they thought should “eat a bowl of d—-.”

The list is exactly what it sounds like: a series of 225 names of people and things the UO safety officers did not like. The list was constantly updated before and after shifts and even during department meetings. The University of Oregon confirmed the existence of such a list by releasing it to the public.

Although an extreme example, it still shows how bad mouthing your boss, client, or colleague can have a serious consequence. So next time you want to vent about work on social media or during a cocktail hour, consider the cost.

Moonlighting jobs
One of the main reasons why people may pick up an evening gig is for extra income. But while an additional source of revenue may alleviate some problems, it may stir others up. Make sure the additional work does not conflict with your duties with your primary employer. Let your boss know if you picked up a gig on the side to avoid any problems.

Most companies frown on moonlighting—especially if it’s the same work you would be doing at the office. Before jumping into moonlighting, check in with your boss to see if overtime is an option.

Disclosing company secrets
It seems harmless, but even telling a friend how you fixed a problem for a client can get you in trouble. Texting and emailing corporate information can also be problematic—even if you feel the information is positive. Become familiar with the confidentiality policies in your employee manual and see if your employer has any social media guidelines.

As much as what we do in our free time is personal, certain actions can still hinder our work. At the end of the day, it’s best to keep all work related information at the office.

Belo Cipriani is an award-winning author, former staffing professional, a spokesperson for Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Writer-in-Residence at Holy Names University. Learn more at BeloCipriani.com.